France Strengthens Position as International Student Hub Amid US Decline
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France has cemented its position as a leading study destination, hosting nearly 445,000 international students in the 2024/25 academic year, a 3% rise from the previous year. The latest figures, released by Campus France, show that international enrolments have grown by 17% over the past five years, making the country’s goal of attracting 500,000 students by 2027 increasingly realistic.
International students now make up almost 15% of France’s student population. According to Donatienne Hissard, director general of Campus France, this growth comes at a time when the United States – the world’s top study destination – is seeing a decline. “Student mobility to France has found its cruising speed in an uncertain international context,” she said, noting that students are diversifying their destination choices.
French universities and grandes écoles have also moved quickly to appeal to students affected by US visa restrictions under the Trump administration, with some institutions extending deadlines and welcoming applicants originally bound for the US. Business schools, in particular, have played a central role in offering places to those caught in bureaucratic delays overseas.
The majority of international students in France come from Morocco (42,000), Algeria (34,800), China, Italy, and Senegal, while Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing region. Student numbers from India surged by 17% in one year, reaching 9,100 in 2025 – part of a wider Franco-Indian roadmap that aims to bring 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.
Europe has also been a strong contributor, with Spain sending more than 13,000 students following an 8% annual rise, while Ukrainian enrolments climbed 11% over the past year due to the war with Russia.
Experts highlight that alongside affordable tuition, streamlined visa processes and strong career opportunities make France increasingly attractive. However, challenges around language integration and aligning skills with market demand remain.
As global student flows shift, France is positioning itself not just as an alternative to the US but as a long-term leader in international education.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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